I started classes at University of Arkansas, this week. I have to re-take so many generals that did not transfer. I’m technically a senior but it’s going to take me a minimum of 3 years to finish if I only take 12 credits at a time. That’s discouraging, but I’m going for it, anyway. Maybe I’ll magically increase in capacity or time and will be able to take a crazy heavy load a few semesters. Probably not, considering I already feel like I’m in way over my head with just 12 credits this semester!
My biggest challenge has been learning to navigate technology. Updating my iOS and understanding what an iOS even is, installing Microsoft to my Mac, creating accounts for and learning to navigate Blackboard, Pearson, Revel, Bb Collaborate, Authenticator, Group Me, imgflip, Bus Schedules and Routes, Outlook, College Board, and half a dozen other sites that are required for use in these courses. It not just that it overloads my brain with information, but it just eats up so much time…which I do not have a lot of.
That’s my 2nd biggest challenge. I leave for class in Fayetteville as soon as I drop Corbin off at school on T/Th and get there with only minutes to spare. I attend 3 classes back to back on opposite ends of campus that require me to hustle to get to them on time, then I run to the bus stop immediately after, and ride the bus to the parking lot where students must park, then I drive home and arrive just as the bus for the elementary school drops off my Cooper kids.
Wednesdays I have my violin lesson, and this is the day I’ve set aside to do my 4th class, which is an online course with 2+ hours of lecturers to watch, 2+ hours of reading material assigned, and a weekly test on said material. But at least from home I can run laundry and prep dinner and do a bit of multi tasking with homemaking.
Which leaves Monday and Friday while my children are in school to do the assignments for the other 3 classes. And all of my normal life things.
I didn’t run at all this week. I’m not sure how to balance this yet where it doesn’t affect mothering in a negative way, but I am trying.
I wish more than anything that I’d started several years ago and just added one class at a time to my plate. But really, I don’t think I would have been able to do that at ALL without neglecting my children during that time, so I guess this is all working out just h to w way it’s supposed to, and I am going to figure out the balance soon. One thing that has surprised me is the increase in my capacity to take in SO much information. I knew I’d be able to handle the class content, but I didn’t expect the barrage of all of the systems I need in other to learn the course content. And honestly, who knew I even had capacity to add ANYthing to my life right now? God knows. I’m trusting Him to help me figure this out.
